Toe Fixation Prosthesis Ramp Compression Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical procedures for correcting hammer toe often result in complications such as non-union and mal-union of toe bones due to inadequate stabilization during the healing process.
Innovation Solution
A toe fixation prosthesis comprising an anchor member with a ramp and a coupling member, where the anchor member is secured to a first bone and the coupling member is transversally positioned to a second bone, allowing for compression through rotational interaction, thereby minimizing the gap between bones and reducing the risk of post-operative complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical fixation methods are used for hammer toe correction, then the toe bones can be stabilized, but the risk of non-union and mal-union increases due to inadequate stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation device is divided into separate components: an anchor member inserted into the first bone and a coupling member positioned on the second bone. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while providing distributed stabilization, reducing the risk of non-union and mal-union compared to single-piece fixation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor member is inserted into the first bone before the coupling member is attached to the second bone. This preliminary action establishes a stable foundation early in the surgical process, ensuring proper alignment and stabilization before final assembly, thereby reducing post-operative complications.
2Manufacturing precision
If the anchor member and coupling member are designed with complex compression mechanisms, then bone compression and gap minimization improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression function is merged into the basic coupling mechanism between the anchor and coupling members. The threaded engagement and ramp interaction naturally produce compressive forces during assembly, eliminating the need for separate compression devices or complex adjustment mechanisms while achieving precise bone apposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the surgeon's own hands and standard surgical tools to achieve compression. The threaded coupling member, when rotated during assembly, automatically generates the necessary compressive force through the ramp mechanism, eliminating the need for external compression devices or complex tightening mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The described solution effectively reduces the risk of non-union and mal-union of toe bones by securely compressing bones together, enhancing the stability and healing process after surgical procedures for hammer toe correction.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling member may be rotated to generate a compressive force on the second bone relative to the first bone
Data Source
AI summary
Toe fixation prostheses and methods of implementation for the same are discussed herein. A toe fixation prosthesis to compress a first bone to a second bone may include and anchor member and a coupling member. The anchor member may include a first end to couple the anchor member to the first bone and a second end which includes a ramp. The coupling member may include one or more threads to couple to the ramp. The coupling member may be positioned transversally to a length of the second bone.